We anxiously await word from our missionary grandson who has been at the Manila
MTC less than one week. What an arrival in this new country! He will have
stories to tell. Lots of love and prayers going out to everyone in the
Philippines.

I would assume he is ok. The mtc is located by the temple in green meadows,
which is in quezon city,which is part of the metro manila area. Cebu is a long
way from manila. Was in a few quakes when I was there. Glad missionaries are
safe. The Filipino people are wonderful.

I am relieved to hear the missionaries are safe. My thoughts and prayers are
with them and those who have lost loved ones and property from this awful
tragedy.

This is a great example of an awful tragedy where
missionaries could have been lost, but were not due to the faith and prayers of
people as well as the effectiveness of implemented safety measures and drills.
The LDS Church should be applauded for its efforts to keep missionaries safe.

I want to see how the LDS Church intends to go forward with these
continued efforts to improve and ensure that missionaries are kept safe. Prayer
and asking The Lord to keep us safe is only part one. Part two is doing our
part to be wise and prepare ahead of time. What does the Church intend to do
going forward to ensure missionary safety in these areas?

Like it or
not, many people died. The LDS Church and it's missionaries were very
fortunate to come out of this as well as it did. I would not bet on being so
fortunate all the time without taking proper action to further improve safety.

It may be advantageous to teach missionaries the latest techniques for
earthquake survival. No longer is the "triangle of life" a doorway, or
running outside considered safe. The latest suggestion is to drop, cover, and
hold on to something if possible. Having survived several earthquakes myself,
this really is the best plan, as in anything over a 6.5, you can't
"go" anywhere. Your body is like a bouncing rubber ball. Ready(dot)gov
and earthquake country(dot)info have great information we can and should all
teach our families. FHE is a great time for these easy drills.

We
had a 3.6 just today in Utah, folks, and the whole interior of the USA is past
due for a large one. In spite of the best science available, we still never know
when or where they will hit. Prepare now by tying down water heaters and
bookshelves. If you have anything heavy over a bed or couch, imagine it bouncing
off at around three a.m. and make the necessary changes.

As far as "The Church" doing this, that, and another thing; we've
all been warned countless times until the apostles are blue in the face. Bottom
line, when we point a finger at government or the church to help poor little us,
count the three fingers pointing back at ourselves. The buck stops there.
We've BEEN told, people!

Kent, the church does tell about the members, but you have to remember, they are
right there with family. A missionary is a single person, generally a young age
and thousands of miles away from home. Local leaders set out right away to
access property and member damage and report as soon as they know. I am sure it
takes a lot longer to contact all the members, but once that is done, like in
the past, the church will report if there was any loss of life or major damage
to the members there. Being a parent where my child lives far away from me,
even though she is married and older, I feel anxiety if something were to happen
to her. Bless the church for letting the parents who are feeling anxiety about
their young children serving, know that they are OK.

There are no guarantees, but I understand the current advice on riding out an
earthquake is to duck under a large substantial piece of furniture like a desk
and hold on until the shaking stops. Doorways are not considered safe by the
experts any longer. Running outside exposes yourself to glass and masonry
falling from collapsing facades above. But, as I said, there are no guarantees
and what might work in one situation would not work in another. I weep for those
killed or injured and rejoice for those who were unharmed.